Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Mould Making Advice

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic20295.aspx

By ABrigham - 1/19/2016 5:35:29 PM

Hi,

I am planning on making a small (approximately 1m x 0.5m x 0.5m) hull for a vehicle, but is effectively a boat hull with no contours just straight (tapered) sides out of glass fibre. I will only be making one model and have limited time, so rather than manufacturing a plug of the intended shape out of polyurethane then using the uni mould system to create the mould for the hull, is it possible to just create the inverse shape of the hull out of polyurethane (or another material) and cover it with (I think) a protective resin and a gel coat. I could then just hand lay up the fibres within this mould, would this be possible?

I guess the other option would just to make a male mould of the product and lay up around that (although I do appreciate the surface finishing would then be on inside). I would very much appreciate any help I can get on this matter.

See attached for the rough shape of the final required product (note it is upside down).

Many thanks

A
By Dravis - 1/26/2016 2:58:12 PM

Take a look at the EC tutorial for making a Pattern -- the EC pattern coat materials are very good and easy to use, but you can do the same with just some fillers and coating epoxy,

I have used EC laminating epoxy and added fillers to that (Glass microballons) graphite etc ..  Since you are not aiming for a mirror finish on the inside of your "hull" epoxy works just fine ..

Good luck!